Temporary cement shortage hits Zim

Zimbabwe experienced cement shortage recently, but PPC Zimbabwe assured customers and stakeholders that the shortage was temporary. According to reports on Cemnet.com and Herald.co.zw, PPC and Lafarge were out of stock in most retail outlets and warehouses across the country in early September.

“The cement industry in the country has the capacity to produce over 2 million tons of cement per annum, adequate to satisfy the current market demand estimated at 1.3 million tons. PPC Zimbabwe is currently operating at peak capacity following the planned annual kiln maintenance undertaken in July 2018 at our Colleen Bawn factory in preparation for the increased demand anticipated towards the latter part of the year. PPC Zimbabwe remains committed to supporting government’s infrastructure development programme and our loyal customers,” PPC said in a media statement.

Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development recently embarked on a roads rehabilitation programme after allocating money to all provinces to resurface and reconstruct roads, in some cases putting tarmac. According to The Herald, the works could be affected if the cement shortage persists.

Kelibone Masiyane, MD, PPC Zimbabwe explained, “While we cannot speculate about other industry players, I would like to assure the market that PPC Zimbabwe’s factories have the ability to supply the existing market with quality products.”

“As a reflection of our continued commitment to Zimbabwe, we commissioned a USD 85 million Harare milling plant in March 2017 in anticipation of an upsurge in the cement demand. This investment has allowed us to fully serve the growing northern market of Zimbabwe better and more efficiently,” concludes Kelibone.